Cornhole is a popular game that is played in backyards, parks, and beaches across the country. If you have a special event coming up, why not host a cornhole tournament? It is a fun way to get people together and create memories that will last a lifetime. In this blog post, we will give you some ideas for making your cornhole tournament fun and exciting.
Choose a Theme
Choosing a theme for your tournament can make it more exciting. You can choose a classic theme such as a 4th of July theme or a more specific theme such as a beach theme. Having a theme can also help you plan decorations, music, and food to match the theme.
Getting Specific
When choosing a theme for your cornhole tournament, think about who your audience is and what they would enjoy. If the tournament is for a family gathering, a theme that appeals to all age groups, like a carnival or a superhero theme, could be a hit. If it's a tournament among close friends, perhaps an inside-joke theme or a theme based on a shared interest could make the event more memorable.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal, your chosen theme can also influence the rules of the game. For instance, with a wild west theme, you could introduce a rule where players must toss the cornhole bags in a cowboy stance.
Remember, the idea is to amplify the fun and engagement of the tournament. Take your time to brainstorm a theme that is unique, personal, and will set your cornhole tournament apart.
Create Teams
The fun part of hosting a cornhole tournament is creating teams. You can have people sign up as individuals or as pre-made teams. If you have people sign up as individuals, you can have a random drawing to create teams. This will create a sense of excitement and anticipation as players wait to see who their partner will be.
Crafting Tournament Brackets
Creating the tournament brackets is a crucial stage in organizing your cornhole tournament. The structure of the brackets will determine the flow of the tournament and enhance the competitive aspect of the game.
Single-Elimination Brackets
You could consider starting with single-elimination brackets. In this format, teams compete against each other in a one-off game, and the loser is removed from the bracket. This continues until a champion team emerges. Although this is a faster format, it can be less forgiving for teams that may have an off game.
Double-Elimination Brackets
For a longer tournament and a more forgiving format, double-elimination brackets could be the way to go. In this model, teams have the opportunity to lose once and still remain in the competition. After the first loss, they are moved to a secondary bracket where they compete against other teams who have also lost a game. If they lose again in the secondary bracket, they are then eliminated from the tournament.
Round-Robin Brackets
Another option could be the round-robin format where each team plays against every other team once. This approach guarantees that each team gets to play multiple games and allows for a more inclusive competition.
Whichever bracket style you choose, remember the goal is to ensure everyone has fun. Using a digital tool or bracket software can make creating and managing your tournament brackets easier.
Plan Prizes
Prizes can make the tournament more exciting. You can have a grand prize for the winning team and smaller prizes for the runners-up. The prizes can be anything from gift certificates to local restaurants or stores to custom cornhole sets.
When considering prizes for your cornhole tournament, think not only about the winners but also about creating an all-around entertaining and engaging event. Different categories of prizes can keep the excitement high and motivate participants to give their best.
Grand Prize
The grand prize should be the most appealing since it will be awarded to the champions of the tournament. It could be a cash prize or something substantial like a set of professional cornhole boards, tickets to a sports event, or a high-value voucher for a local retailer or restaurant.
Runner-up Prizes
Don't forget the runners-up! They gave their all and were close to winning. Runner-up prizes could include smaller cash amounts, gift vouchers, handheld sports gear, or even customized merchandise like t-shirts or caps with the tournament logo.
Fun Prizes
To keep the event engaging and entertaining, consider having additional fun categories with corresponding prizes. These could include awards for 'Best Team Name', 'Best Dressed Team', or 'Most Spirited Team'. Prizes for these categories could be novelty items, smaller cash amounts, or gift vouchers.
Consolation Prizes
A good way to ensure everyone leaves the tournament happy is to offer consolation prizes. These could be for all participants or for those who were eliminated early from the tournament. These prizes could be small tokens, like keychains, stickers, or badges, which could potentially serve as mementos from the event.
Planning the prizes well can make your cornhole tournament more exciting and memorable. Remember, the goal is to play, enjoy, and create lasting memories.
Have Fun Activities
While cornhole is the main focus, you can add fun activities to keep everyone engaged. You can have a photo booth with props, a face painting station, or a designated area for kids to play games. You can also have a raffle or silent auction with prizes from local businesses.
Another great cornhole-related activity is a DIY cornhole bag customization station. Set up a DIY station where participants can decorate their own cornhole bags. It's a fun, creative activity and participants get to take home a personalized memento from the tournament.
Serve Refreshments
When planning refreshments for your cornhole tournament, consider the type of food and beverages that will be suitable for your audience and the nature of the event. If your tournament lasts all day, you could start with light brunch items or pastries in the morning, move to a barbecue or picnic-style lunch, and end with an evening cookout. For drinks, offering a range of options like water, soft drinks, craft beers, or even a specialty cocktail can cater to everyone's preferences.
Concession Stands
Setting up concession stands can be a crowd-pleaser at your cornhole tournament. These could be food trucks, pop-up food stalls, or even barbecue grills where attendees can grab easy-to-eat food such as hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, or ice cream. You could also have a 'make-your-own' food station, such as a taco bar or a build-your-own sandwich station, adding a fun, interactive element to your catering.
Dietary Restrictions
Be mindful of dietary restrictions or allergies among your attendees. Offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options ensures that everyone can enjoy the food without worry. Labeling food items correctly and clearly can help attendees make informed decisions.
Hydration Station
Regardless of the weather or time of year, keeping your attendees hydrated is essential. Set up a hydration station with water and non-alcoholic beverages. You can offer simple options like bottled water or infused water with slices of fruit for a refreshing twist.
Alcoholic Beverages
If your event permits and you wish to serve alcohol, consider setting up a beer garden or a cocktail bar. A selection of local craft beers or a signature cocktail named after your cornhole tournament can add a unique touch to your event. Always ensure you’re following local regulations regarding the serving and consumption of alcohol.
Cleanup and waste management
Ensure you have plans in place for cleanup and waste management. Multiple trash and recycling bins around the venue will encourage attendees to dispose of their waste properly, keeping the area clean and environmentally friendly.
Remember, the goal of providing refreshments at your cornhole tournament is to keep your attendees happy and energized. The more thought and care you put into this aspect of the event, the more your attendees will appreciate it.
Plan, Play, Enjoy!
Host a cornhole tournament can be an exciting way to bring friends and family together. With a little planning and careful attention to detail, you can create a fun and exciting event that everyone will love. From choosing a theme to creating teams to planning prizes, there are many ways to make your cornhole tournament one to remember. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your cornhole tournament today!